The excitement surrounding the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 is undeniable, showcasing new graphical capabilities that promise to elevate gaming experiences. Despite the absence of a new 3D Mario game, which has left fans waiting since Super Mario Odyssey nearly eight years ago, the reveal introduced exciting titles like the open-world Mario Kart World, the return of Donkey Kong with Donkey Kong Bananza, and a new game reminiscent of Bloodborne called The Duskbloods. However, the buzz around these games has been somewhat overshadowed by discussions about the pricing of the console and its accompanying games and accessories.
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a price tag of $449.99, which, while not unreasonable for new technology in 2025, raises concerns when considering the additional costs required to fully enjoy the system. The standout game, Mario Kart World, is priced at $80, significantly higher than the usual $60 or $70 we've come to expect. This pricing strategy, coupled with the cost of additional joy-con controllers at $90 for multiplayer fun and the necessary Nintendo Online membership for global play, adds up quickly. When the reveal emphasized 24-player co-op and features like GameChat and photo mode, it's hard not to feel that the pricing could be seen as somewhat cynical.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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On the flip side, the value of Mario Kart World could be argued in terms of long-term enjoyment. Given the longevity of Mario Kart 8, it's likely that Mario Kart World will be the definitive version for the Switch 2, potentially offering years of fun. In comparison to free-to-play games like Fortnite, where players might spend $80 on battle passes and skins over time, the $80 price tag might not seem so steep. Additionally, when a family cinema trip can easily cost $80 for a brief outing, a game that promises a decade of entertainment might be worth the investment.
However, not all games follow the same pricing model. Donkey Kong Bananza is priced at a more reasonable $69.99, suggesting Nintendo might be testing the waters with Mario Kart. The $80 price point for other major titles like Kirby and the Forgotten Land and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the Switch 2 raises concerns about setting a new industry standard. This could influence other publishers, such as those behind GTA 6, to follow suit. Moreover, the cost of upgrading older games to the new console remains a question mark. PlayStation has set a precedent with $10 upgrades for PS4 to PS5 games, but if Nintendo opts for $20 or $30 upgrades, it could deter many from investing in these enhancements.
For instance, the current price of Tears of the Kingdom on Amazon is $52, while the Switch 2 version costs $80. If the upgrade is $10, it might be more economical to buy the Switch version and upgrade later. In the UK, the difference is even more pronounced, with the Switch version at £45 and the Switch 2 at £75. The only current indicator is the enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom available through the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack membership, priced at $49.99 annually. If the price of this service doesn't increase, the value proposition might still hold, but what happens if the membership is canceled? These are critical questions that need clear answers.
Lastly, the decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a virtual exhibition with minigames, feels out of place. Such an offering typically comes free with new consoles, as seen with Astro's Playroom on the PlayStation 5. This move by Nintendo seems to echo the arrogance displayed during Sony's PS3 launch, rather than the generosity that has characterized their approach in the past.
AnswerSee ResultsDespite these pricing concerns, the Switch 2 is poised to continue Nintendo's legacy of innovation and quality. The console itself appears to be a solid evolution of its predecessor, and the initial game lineup is promising. While the pricing strategy may have dampened some of the excitement, it's unlikely to derail the Switch 2's success entirely, given the goodwill and extensive game library from the original Switch. Here's hoping Nintendo takes the feedback to heart and doesn't set $80 as the new standard for video game pricing.
While the cost of the Switch 2 and its ecosystem did cast a shadow over the reveal, it didn't completely eclipse the excitement for me. However, it certainly didn't meet the universal acclaim Nintendo might have hoped for.
